It is a nice clear day today for Ebony and Reece's wedding. We decide to take the drive to Glenorchy a small town nestled amid spectacular scenery including snow capped mountains and beech forests at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu. The local scenery received worldwide attention after being in movies like Lord of the Rings. It was a lovely drive and very pictures with mum taking many photos. We the had an early lunch before getting ready for the wedding. We picked Gary and Lea up on the way to Rees Hotel where everyone was meeting before boarding buses for the beginning of our mystery ride. People were dressed in different attire as our invitations had said it was going to be cold, like freezing cold, an outdoor event and that we should rug up and take our finery for later. Snow boots were suggested. We boarded the buses and started our journey. It was only a brief ride until we stopped at the Helicopter departure gates at the airport. Yes, we were all going on helicopters to the secret wedding location. Each helicopter took 5 people and we had 5 helicopters transporting us. The excitement level was very high with people jumping around everywhere. It wasn't long until the first 5 helicopters were loaded and we were off in a convey for the 7 minute ride to the top of Queenstown Hill. We all disembarked and headed over to where the wedding planner was waiting. Let me tell you, it was very chilly and the wind was brisk and freezing. We had to wait for the second tier of helicopters to arrive and so we wondered to the edge if the mountain to look at the view down Arrow River and also the view to Coronation Peak where the ski fields are. We all gathered around as instructed and then the final helicopter with Shauni, Shaun, Karen, Peter and Ebony arrived. Karen and Peter escorted Ebony to the waiting group. Ebony was just so excited and was jumping with joy despite the cold and the fact her wedding dress was bear backed and sleeveless. She looked amazing and was so excited. The ceremony was lovely with heart felt words from both Reece and Ebony. Ebony’s comment “I can't believe your mine” was said several times as she jumped and skipped about. After the ceremony mum was lucky to be in the first tier of helicopters to leave whilst I stayed behind with Gary and Lea. I must say the 45min wait was the coldest I have ever been despite the warm clothes I was wearing, including my beanie, gloves and hand warmers. Finally we boarded again and we were the first chopper and our pilot was very informative about our flight path with us ending at Jack’s Point Restaurant just 15min outside Queenstown. It was a lovely setting with a lake and next to the golf course. We were ushered inside for a mulled wine which was warm and spicy tasty. The fires were lit and people were changing their clothes to their party attire and party shoes. Shortly after we were asked to all gather outside for the wedding parties arrival. The helicopter came in and Ebony and Reece disembarked and came toward the group. We were all asked to stay gathered as Tarnee, the photographer went back up to take some aerial shots. As soon as this was over we were again surprised by the arrival of a group of Maori dancers who performed Poi and Haka dances for us. We then all went back inside and soon were seated at one long table with no set seating arrangements. Dinner was lovely, a fish chowder soup, choice of lamb or pork belly and a chocolate dessert. Speeches and dancing followed. We caught the first bus back at 10.30 and were exhausted when we got home. It was an amazing day is all I can say.
